Flowers
A flower, also known as a bloom or blossom,
is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants (plants of the
division Magnoliophyta, also called sperms). The flower structure
contains the plant's organs, and its function is to produce seeds
through reproduction. After fertilization, portions of the flower
develop into a fruit containing the seeds. The function of a flower is
to mediate the union of male and female gametes. The process is termed
pollination.
A flower is regarded as a modified stem (Eames,
1961) with shortened internodes and bearing, at its nodes, structures
that may be highly modified leaves. In essence, a flower structure forms
on a modified shoot or axis with an apical meristem that does not grow
continuously (growth is determinate). The stem is called a pedicel, the
end of which is the torus or receptacle. The parts of a flower are
arranged in whorls on the torus. The four main parts or whorls (starting
from the base of the flower or lowest node and working upwards) are as
Calyx - the outer whorl of sepals; typically these are green, but are
petal-like in some species.Corolla - the whorl of petals, which are
usually thin, soft and colored to attract insects that help the process
of pollination..
Androecium (from Greek andros oikia: man's
house) – one or two whorls of stamens, each a filament topped by an
anther where pollen is produced. Pollen contains the male gametes.
Gynoecium (from Greek gynaikos oikia: woman's house) – one or more
pistils. The female reproductive organ is the carpel: this contains an
ovary with ovules (which contain female gametes). A pistil may consist
of a number of carpels merged together, in which case there is only one
pistil to each flower, or of a single individual carpel (the flower is
then called apocarpous). The sticky tip of the pistil, the stigma, is
the receptor of pollen. The supportive stalk, the style becomes the
pathway for pollen tubes to grow from pollen grains adhering to the
stigma, to the ovules, carrying the reproductive material.
The first fossil proof of actual flowers
appears only 130 million years ago. Unfortunately, there is no fossil
evidence of exactly how flowers evolved; the evidence has them springing
in advanced form into the fossil record. This was recognized almost
immediately during the development of evolution theory, the strange
appearance of flowers in the fossil record being called by Charles
Darwin the Abominable Mystery.
The general assumption is that the function
of flowers, from the start, was to involve other animals in the
reproduction process. . One proposed reason for the sudden, fully
developed appearance of flowers is that they evolved in an isolated
setting like an island, or chain of islands, where the plants bearing
them were able to develop a highly specialized relationship with some
specific animal (a wasp, for example), the way many island species
develop today. This symbiotic relationship, with a hypothetical wasp
bearing pollen from one plant to another much the way fig wasps do
today, could have eventually
While there is only
hard proof of such flowers existing about 130 million years ago, there
is some circumstantial evidence that they did exist up to 250 million
years ago. A chemical used by plants to defend their flowers, oleanane,
has been detected in fossil plants that old, including gigantopterids
which evolved at that time and bear many of the traits of modern,
flowering plants, though they are not known to be flowering plants
themselves, because only their stems and prickles have been found
preserved in detail;
Flower Meanings can be of any nature. Be it
Everlasting love, Friendship, Concealed love or Innocent love, you can
express range of emotions through flowers. Flowers are meant for all
occasions. When words are unable to convey thoughtfulness and love,
flowers easily pass the message and express feelings on sender's behalf.
It is generally believed the practice of
assigning meanings to flowers began in Turkey during the seventeenth
century. Lovers began using floral exchanges to convey particular
messages. The Victorian era witnessed rise in the popularity of flower
language and corresponding meaning assigned to different flowers. In
England, dozens of dictionaries of "florography" were published during
that period. Suitors carefully studied these guidebooks to select
appropriate bouquets for their sweethearts.
After falling out of favor for many years,
cooking and garnishing with flowers is back in vogue once again. Flower
cookery has been traced back to Roman times, and to the Chinese, Middle
Eastern, and Indian cultures. Edible flowers were especially popular in
the Victorian era during Queen Victoria's reign. Today, many restaurant
chefs and innovative home cooks garnish their entrees with flower
blossoms for a touch of elegance. The secret to success when using
edible flowers is to keep the dish simple, do not add to many other
flavors that will over power the delicate taste of the flower. Today
this nearly lost art is enjoying a revival.
You know that broccoli, cauliflower, and
artichokes are all flowers also the spice saffron is the stamen from the
crocus flower. Capers are unopened flower buds to a bush native in the
Mediterranean and Asian nations. Alliums (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic
chives) - Known as the "Flowering Onions." There are approximately four
hundred species that includes the familiar onion, garlic, chives, ramps,
and shallots. All members of this genus are edible. Their flavors range
from mild onions and leeks right through to strong onion and garlic. The
flowers tend to have a stronger flavor than the leaves and the young
developing seed-heads are even stronger. We eat the leaves and flowers
mainly in salads. Some of them are Banana Blossoms - Apple Blossoms,
Carnations, Broccoli Florets Chamomile Citrus blossoms, Daylilies
Gladiolas - Flowers, Cornflower, Citrus blossoms.
But one very important thing that you need
to remember is that not every flower is edible. In fact, sampling some
flowers can make you very, very sick. You also should neveruse
pesticides or other chemicals on any part of any plant that produces
blossoms you plan to eat. Identify the flower exactly and eat only
edible flowers, and edible parts of those flowers. Always remember to
use flowers sparingly in your recipes due to the digestive complications
that can occur with a large consumption rate. Most herb flowers have a
taste that's similar to the leaf, but spicier. The concept of using
fresh edible flowers in cooking is not new. Eat flowers only when you
are positive they are edible. If uncertain, consult a good reference
book on edible flowers prior to consumption. Remove pistils and stamens
from flowers before eating. Eat only the flower petals for most flowers.
Introduce flowers into your diet in small quantities one species at a
time. Too much of a good thing may cause problems for your digestive
system. If you have allergies, introduce edible flowers gradually, as
they may aggravate some allergies.
Pick your flowers in the morning when their
water content is at its highest. Shake each flower to dislodge insects
hidden in the petal folds. After having removed the stamen, wash the
flowers under a fine jet of water or in a strainer placed in a large
bowl of water. Drain and allow to dry on absorbent paper. The flowers
will retain their odor and color providing they dry quickly and that
they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
To preserve flowers, put them on moist paper
and place together in a hermetically-sealed container or in plastic
wrapping. This way, certain species can be preserved in the refrigerator
for some 10 days. If the flowers are limp, they can be revitalized by
floating them on icy water for a few moments; don't leave too long or
else they will lose some of their flavor. You can also store the whole
flower in a glass of water in the refrigerator overnight.
Flowers are used for
special Occasions as Housewarming flowers, New baby born Anniversary,
Birthday, Valentine's day, Friendship's Day, The new year and Christmas,
Thanksgiving Day. Christenings. As a corsage or boutonniere to be worn
at social functions or for holidays in wedding - flowers for the bridal
party, and decorations for the hall. As brightening decorations within
the home, As a gift of remembrance for bon voyage parties, welcome home
parties, and "thinking of you" gifts, For funeral flowers and
expressions of sympathy for the grieving.
Flower meanings express a milieu of emotions
and sentiments. Your love is reciprocated, Splendid Beauty, Timidity,
Forsaken, Expectations, Pure of heart, Innocence, Hope in love,
Felicity, Delicacy, Single blessedness, or Good luck - you name it -
flowers touch every string of emotions. Similarly many flowers have
important symbolic meaning in western culture. The practice of assigning
meanings to flowers is known as floriography. Some of the more common
example include such as Red rose are given as a symbol of love and
passion. Yellow rose are given as a symbol for friendship strong and
true. White rose are given as a symbol for purity of love. Poppies are
a symbol of consolation in time of death. In the UK, red poppies are
worn to commemorate soldiers who have died in times of war. A pansy
flower means thoughts, a daffodil regard, and a string of ivy signifies
fidelity. Irises are a symbol of death Daisies is a symbol of innocence.
Sunflowers can mean either haughtiness or respect The Lotus symbolizes
of the sun, of creation and rebirth, divinity, fertility, wealth,
knowledge and not to forget enlightenment. The lily generally symbolized
beauty, but it also has many varieties, thus many diversified meanings.
There are difference
varieties of flower like lily, lotus, sunflower and last but not least
rose and many more. Rose, Tulip, Lily, Sunflower, Freesia, Gerbera,
Hibiscus, Peony, Sweet pea, Hydrangea, Amaryllis, Curcuma, Protea,
Anemone, Bird of Paradise, Carnation, Carrion flower are some of the
flower. All of them roses top the favorite list of many florists,
gardeners and flower enthusiasts. Roses come in an assortment of colors
like red, yellow, white, deep pink and light pink. Lotus is very
attractive and red in color.